The last five days have certainly been interesting for me as a relatively inexperienced blogger. I discovered late last week that none of my emails were going out. Called both my server and my hardware person. No one could figure out the problem. Finally my server called me and said "Are you sitting down? The federal government has shut your IP down and blacklisted it!" Talk about being in shock, I had no idea what was happening. My server explained that I had probably picked up a virus or spyware that was sending ghost messages out of my email directory that was spam, porn, something like that and that I had received enough complaints (and from what I've learned it takes a lot!) that I had been shut down. He recommended I have my computer cleaned and then ask to be reactivated. I rushed my laptop to my hardware person and she searched the thing through. I was perfectly clean. When I went back to get my IP reactivated I discovered my IP was completely different. It appears there were a lot of Groups of IPs that were inadvertently blacklisted for a short period and I was evidently in one of those groups. My individual IP is fine but it kept me off the net for 5 days. To those of you who replied to me during those days, I do apologize and will answer each of them in the the next couple of days. I have many emails to answer also. Anyway, thought I would share my experience with the hopes that should anything like this happen to any of you, don't panic. There is light at the end of the tunnel!

What a great day this turned out to be, sunny crisp air and a fun new couple to show mountain log homes to.  The bonus however, was not simply that they loved all the log homes we were looking at, but that they turned out to be biking enthusiasts too.  Tomorrow we return to the listings  they have narrowed down, but in amongst all the seriousness of buying a new log home so they can escape the summer heat of Florida, they are also looking at buying motorcyles again to renew an old hobby. They gave up riding in Florida because of the traffic, but agree this is the perfect place to ride again.  I can't say every Monday is this productive these days, but this has turned out to be a really nice one.  Come visit us here in the Smokies, we may convince you all you need a place here too!

The high winds of yesterday have passed through from the weekend and the morning has started out fresh and green. I would have ridden the Fat Boy to work but I'm going to be out showing a Buyer new log homes today. This is the time of year that oak trees are throwing pollen, but once the wind or rain has knocked it off the trees, one decides it's all worth it. We're going to be looking in both Western North Carolina and Northeast Georgia for the next several days so it will be a great time to enjoy the countryside. The nice thing about selling land or cabins in the mountains is that it's like sightseeing everytime one goes out. Too bad I can't haul a family around on the motorcycle the way I can in the Tahoe.  It's a great way to find new local rides though so I can't complain.  I'm also pleasantly surprised at the increasing number of riders that are buying second homes here in the mountains, and they're pleasantly surprised at the fact that our prices have remained reasonable, even though our market hasn't "tanked" the way many places have. Come see us in Murphy if you get the chance!

All you Bikers in the WNC area should pick a special route to take Mom on for this Mother's Day. One of my very favorite is up along the headwaters of the beautiful Nantahala River. This time of year, you'll see lots of trout fisherman wading in the whitewater as it falls toward that part of the river where it's deep enough to raft. But if you're riding, I'd take US 74 out of Murphy, past Andrews and into the Nantahala Gorge. Take a right a Wayah Road (where all the rafters put into the water). It will slowly wind it's way up through the mountains with gorgous water falls all along the way. Be sure and take a camera as it's a great place for photos. Then wind your way around Nantahala Lake. It is the highest elevated lake east of the Mississippe with the waters edge right at the 3000' mark. Lots of new log cabins along the way that I would love to show you, not to mention the 7 figure homes setting on the lake.  Mom with be enchanted and it's a great ride. Be safe and keep the shiny side up!!

As I sit here at my desk listening to the rumble of all those pipes headed to Cherokee for the Cherokee Survivors Spring Rally I can't help but wish I were riding too. Instead, I'm inside working.  I shouldn't feel too badly as I just helped a newly divorced lady and her child get into a new home of their own and think I'm going to succeed  in saving an elderly lady's home from foreclosure. We have a full price offer on her home and the Buyer is willing to put up enough option money to bring her up to date on her payments if we can get the Bank to agree.  It sounds like a good day doesn't it?  That should leave me guilt free to escape on the Fatboy and ride into the mountains this weekend to enjoy the Rally. If any of you are heading up this way drop me a line as I can suggest some great rides in addition to the Dragon's Tail or the Cherohalla Skyway. Ride safe and keep the sunny side up.

PS- We have some great deals on new log cabins if you get up this way and think you'd like to make it a regular trip to your own place.